Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of the whole colony of Botrylloides diegensis: insights into tissue specialization and blastogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Botrylloides diegensis is a colonial ascidian that has been the focus of developmental, evolutionary and regeneration research. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of an entire B. diegensis colony, including zooids, buds and vascular tunics, to resolve cellular heterogeneity and to identify cell and tissue markers. We identified 29 major cell clusters within the colony and used in situ hybridization to examine the spatial expression of cluster marker genes. Numerous tissue types were identified at the molecular level, including blood cells and zooid tissues, such as the branchial epithelium, stomach and endostyle. Distinct cluster markers were identified for specific regions of the stomach epithelium, highlighting the specialization of these regions and the s

SUBMITTER: Temiz B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12212465 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature